Which place is cheaper, Bodrum or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Athens or Bodrum?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Bodrum. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Athens or Bodrum?
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.
Bodrum
Bodrum is a city on the Bodrum Peninsula, stretching from Turkey's southwest coast into the Aegean Sea. The city features twin bays with views of Bodrum Castle. This medieval fortress was built partly with stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, completed in the 4th century B.C. The city is also a gateway for nearby beach towns and resorts. Although more than a million tourists flock to its beaches, boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and clubs each summer, the town of Bodrum (ancient Halicarnassus) never seems to lose its cool. More than any other Turkish seaside getaway, it has an enigmatic elegance that pervades it. The evocative castle and the ancient ruins around town also help keep Bodrum a discerning step above the rest.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €127Bodrum €87
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Bodrum is €87. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Athens and Bodrum in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Bodrum €45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Bodrum €90
Compare Hotels in Athens and Bodrum
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Bodrum? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Athens Hotel Prices and Bodrum Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Bodrum €22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two€6.40
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Metro€1.50
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Metro€2.00
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Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Paros: Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands or Athens: $2,695
- From Meteora Private Day Trip with Transfer: $1,048
- From Ancient Corinth Day Trip with Private Transfer: $461
- Private Transfer to/from Volos: $449
- From Private Cape Sounion Sunset Tour with Transfer: $299
- Transfer from Athens airport to Epidavros up to 4 customers: $298
- Athens Airport to Kyllini Transfer or from Kyllini to Athens: $291
- Private Transfer From Athens To Lefkada: $284
- Private Transfer From Athens To Meteora - Kalabaka: $273
- Private Transfer through Athens Attractions at Night: $273
- Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $273
- Private Transfer From Athens To Ancient Olympia: $262
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum
Also for Bodrum, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Seferihisar: $218
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kusadasi Hotels: $202
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Mugla City Center Hotels: $174
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyaka Hotels: $174
- Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Kusadasi: $131
- Bodrum Akyarlar Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $125
- Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Soke (Söke): $125
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kadikalesi Hotels: $114
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bodrum Airport to Marmaris Hotels: $109
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyarlar Hotels: $109
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Yalikavak Hotels: $104
- Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Turgutreis Hotels: $101
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Bodrum?
Prices for flights to both Bodrum and Athens change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAthens €37Bodrum €23
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream€3.00
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Souvlaki€2.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
- Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
- Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
- Greek Street Food Tour: $51
- Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $52
- Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $52
- Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
- Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Classes in Athina: $64
- Light Lunch Tasting & Cooking Demo: $67
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bodrum
For Bodrum, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class in Authentic Etrim Village: $44
- Christmas Dinner at Karnas Vineyards: $104
- Farmers Market visit & Turkish Cooking Class: $125
- Bodrum Market Visit and Cooking Class: $128
- Bodrum Vineyard Tour with Dinner and Wine Pairing: $128
- Food and Wine pairing Dinner at Karnas Vineyards Bodrum: $131
- Bodrum Cooking Class: $174
- Private Sunset Boat Tour in Bodrum With Dinner: $221
- Shore Excursions - Istanbul by Night: Turkish Food Tour: $252
- Private Vineyard Tour with Dinner Under the Stars in Karnas: $291
- From Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner & Swimming: $320
- Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner: $368
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Bodrum €29
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Acropolis/Athens Highlights Private Evening Tour (5 hours) from Athens, Piraeus: $87
- Ancient Corinth Canal Epidavrous Nafplio Private Tour 8Hours: $180
- Apostle Paul's Footsteps in Athens Christian Private Tour 5Hours: $142
- Delphi full day V.R audio guided tour with entry ticket: $48
- EPIDAURUS & NAFPLIO : Private Full Day Tour From Athens 6 Hours : $173
- Full Day Tour in Athens with Lunch: $147
- Half Day Private Tour on Highlights of Classical Athens: $158
- Layover Private Tour in Athens: $245
- Mycenae Lions Gate Epidaurus & Nafplio Full Day Private Tour 8H : $191
- Self-Guided Tour at the Romantic Island of Hydra from Athens: $284
- Traditional Villages Full day Tour in Santorini: $59
- "Acropolis Half-day Tour and City Visit": $168
Tours and Activities in Bodrum
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bodrum.
- 2 Hours Private Sightseeing and Walking Tour in Bodrum: $106
- A Breathtaking Pamukkale Day Tour from Bodrum: $278
- All Inclusive Private BODRUM to Ephesus, Mary's House, Lunch Tour: $299
- Ancient Ephesus tour with Virgin Mary's House from Bodrum: $104
- Blue cruise around Bodrum bays: $28
- Boat tour: Bodrum Private Boat Tour for Cruise Customers: $801
- Bodrum ↔ Gulf of Gökova | Cabin Charter Cruise: $941
- Bodrum Black island Tour: $26
- Bodrum Buggy Safari Tours: $57
- Bodrum City Sightseeing Walk: $150
- Bodrum City Tour: 5-Hour Private Excursion with Lunch: $267
- Bodrum City Walking Morning Sightseeing Tour: $213
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Bodrum €13
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
- Greek Wine Tasting: $23
- Premium Wine Tastings: $35
- Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
- Athens Wine Tasting: $44
- Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $52
- Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $52
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $53
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $53
- Greek food and wine tasting: $53
- Rare Greek Wine Tasting w/Sommelier by the Acropolis: $59
- Wine Tasting and Storytelling in a Historical Square in Athina: $60
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Bodrum, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Bodrum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bodrum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bodrum and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens than you might in Bodrum.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Bodrum Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Bodrum?
Athens has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Bodrum, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Athens or Bodrum?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Athens or Bodrum in the Summer?
Both Bodrum and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Bodrum. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Bodrum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In July, Athens usually receives more rain than Bodrum. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAthens 27°C (81°F)Bodrum 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Athens or Bodrum in the Autumn?
Both Bodrum and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Athens because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Athens is around the same temperature as Bodrum in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Bodrum fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Athens usually gets more rain in October than Bodrum. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAthens 19°C (67°F)Bodrum 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Athens or Bodrum in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Bodrum. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year.
In the winter, Athens is around the same temperature as Bodrum. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Bodrum averages at about 10°C (50°F).
Bodrum receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Bodrum. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAthens 10°C (51°F)Bodrum 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Athens or Bodrum in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Bodrum. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Bodrum. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Bodrum fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Athens usually gets less rain in April than Bodrum. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAthens 16°C (60°F)Bodrum 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Bodrum and Athens
| Athens | Bodrum | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.